.44 Mag 300 gr Hard Cast vs. Jacketed Bullet Load

minnfinn · October 25, 2008, 07:36 PM

I've been loading for my Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag for sometime with Hornady 240 gr. HP-XTP bullets, 2 1/2 Rem primer, 23.3 gr H110 and crimped, which has worked well for target.
I'm needing to develop a load for 300 gr. LBT heat treated (hard cast) bullet by Cast Performance for the same revolver, when I head out west hunting where I carry this as a backup sidearm in areas where they have large pedators. I'm not hunting with this handgun.
When I look at the loading info between Hornady, Nosler, Speer and Hodgdon for a 300 gr bullet on .44 Rem Mag H110 and large pistol primers, they list min/max loads ranging
17.5 - 20.1
19.5 - 20.5
20.2 - 22.5
18 - 19
respectively.
All are shown for jacketed bullet of this weight.
My question: With more than 2 grains of H110 between min. recommendations and similar for max recommendation for each of these and them listing only for jacketed bullets, how would you proceed to choose the right load for a hard cast bullet of the same weight for the purpose stated above?

thetoecutter · October 25, 2008, 09:01 PM

I started by looking the the Hodgdon data for the 325gr GC cast bullets, noting the cartridge OAL, the pressures, and the velocities.

Also have a Midway loadbook for .44mag, which has 240gr cast info, and 300gr jacketed info, looked at the same stuff in it. What the Midway book doesn't tell me is how much of the different 300gr jacketed is under the cannelure and taking up space in the case.

Did some searching on the cast boolits forum, and I wasn't able to find any more pertinent info-does not mean it isn't there, means I couldn't find it.

Am currently at 18.2gr WW296 under a .431" 300gr plain base (no gascheck) in REM cases w/REM 2 1/2's that is running around 1100fps on my Chrony out of a 7.5" Super Redhawk. Was a decent Chrony day, sometimes the sukker gives me fits.

Primers look decent, am ending up with some semi-flat ones. They are still running a little sooty, am probably going to work up a little, or might just run them as-is.

TTC

Ole 5 hole group · October 26, 2008, 05:55 PM

thetoecutter - sorry for the hijack. I don't know how you're using the chronograph but I'll just add this info on chronographing revolver loads just in case you’re unaware of this niche. If you don't use a baffle between the barrel and the 1st skyscreen (locate the baffle half way between the barrel and 1st skyscreen), the shock wave will give you unreliable readings if your speeds are subsonic. I've heard of SD of 1K+ fps. If your speeds are just barely supersonic (1,129 fps at 70*F) your readings may become erratic as well. I'm not comfortable without a baffle until I reach speeds beyond 1600 fps. My baffle is a 2’X4’ piece of plywood with a 2” slot running from the top down 14” – works for me.

HiBC · October 26, 2008, 09:08 PM

I have a Laser Cast first edition manual that shows a load for their 300 gr bullet.Of course,it is not the same bullet,so this is just ballpark information.
They show 20.0 gr with a loa of 1.610 and a WLP primer for 1333 out of a 9 1/2 Redhawk.They recommended to not reduce more than 3 %

saudst · October 27, 2008, 04:42 PM

Minfinn, I used to use this load for a good penetrater.
300gr. WFN
20 grns. H110
Win. brass
Win. primers

I got 1280-1310fps out of my SBH and was realy acurate and safe out of my gun. I now use the Lasercast 310gr. WFN, about the same thing.

I think you'll like this load as it will go length wise through an average sized Whitetail.

minnfinn · October 28, 2008, 08:37 PM

Thanks all you guys for the input. I've been looking at starting between 19.5-20.0 gr of H110 from comparing notes and reloading manuals of "like" bullets.
Your input gives me more confidence that I'm in the right ballpark. It sound like 20 gr of H110 with a 300 gr WFNGC is a good place to start.

Thanks much.

Al Norris · October 29, 2008, 12:37 AM

Is H110 all you have to load with?

I have data for IMR4227, H4227 and 2400.

Personally, I like the 4227 series of powders better than H110. While not quite as much in velocity, the recoil is much more acceptable. I doubt if that dangerous animal is gonna notice 50fps less.

minnfinn · October 29, 2008, 05:24 PM

Antipitas,
What load range do you use for IMR4227 and H4227 for .44 mag with a bullet 300 gr WFNGC or LFNGC with which primer, etc.?
Thanks

Al Norris · October 29, 2008, 06:50 PM

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

H4227 - 19.5gr over a CCI #350 (LPM)
IMR4227 - 20gr (compressed) over a WLP

OAL = 1.650 - 1.700

These loads were developed on my SBH w/7.5" barrel. My personal preference is the IMR load. Please note: If you are recoil sensitive, this might not be your cup-O-tea.

As always, back off some and carefully work up to this load, watching for pressure signs.

WESHOOT2 · October 30, 2008, 06:57 AM

Data from Cast Performance:

Start 19.5g W296, 15.0g AA9.

I personally would be very comfortable using a start load of 19.5g H110 from MY Redhawk.
I might consider stopping near 20.5g, if testing confirmed its safety.
I would also use Federal 155 primers, new sized cases ONLY, and finish with a Redding
Profile Crimp Die.

('ve had ammo using their bullets travel as far as Africa; great bullets great company).

minnfinn · October 31, 2008, 07:08 PM

Got it.
I've got one of the combination mentioned loaded and hope to get another once I get back from trying to shoot a bunch of ducks and geese (not with these) near Harvey ND over the long weekend.
I'll get to the range sometime when I'm back before heading out West with the loads.

Thanks again very much fellas.
Minnfinn (John)

October 25, 2008, 07:36 PM	#1
minnfinn Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Posts: 54	.44 Mag 300 gr Hard Cast vs. Jacketed Bullet Load I've been loading for my Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag for sometime with Hornady 240 gr. HP-XTP bullets, 2 1/2 Rem primer, 23.3 gr H110 and crimped, which has worked well for target. I'm needing to develop a load for 300 gr. LBT heat treated (hard cast) bullet by Cast Performance for the same revolver, when I head out west hunting where I carry this as a backup sidearm in areas where they have large pedators. I'm not hunting with this handgun. When I look at the loading info between Hornady, Nosler, Speer and Hodgdon for a 300 gr bullet on .44 Rem Mag H110 and large pistol primers, they list min/max loads ranging 17.5 - 20.1 19.5 - 20.5 20.2 - 22.5 18 - 19 respectively. All are shown for jacketed bullet of this weight. My question: With more than 2 grains of H110 between min. recommendations and similar for max recommendation for each of these and them listing only for jacketed bullets, how would you proceed to choose the right load for a hard cast bullet of the same weight for the purpose stated above?

October 27, 2008, 04:42 PM	#5
saudst Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 184	300gr. Cast Performance Minfinn, I used to use this load for a good penetrater. 300gr. WFN 20 grns. H110 Win. brass Win. primers I got 1280-1310fps out of my SBH and was realy acurate and safe out of my gun. I now use the Lasercast 310gr. WFN, about the same thing. I think you'll like this load as it will go length wise through an average sized Whitetail.

October 30, 2008, 06:57 AM	#10
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	even easier (got chrono?) Data from Cast Performance: Start 19.5g W296, 15.0g AA9. I personally would be very comfortable using a start load of 19.5g H110 from MY Redhawk. I might consider stopping near 20.5g, if testing confirmed its safety. I would also use Federal 155 primers, new sized cases ONLY, and finish with a Redding Profile Crimp Die. ('ve had ammo using their bullets travel as far as Africa; great bullets great company).

October 25, 2008, 09:01 PM	#2
thetoecutter Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: east of the mississippi Posts: 83	I started by looking the the Hodgdon data for the 325gr GC cast bullets, noting the cartridge OAL, the pressures, and the velocities. Also have a Midway loadbook for .44mag, which has 240gr cast info, and 300gr jacketed info, looked at the same stuff in it. What the Midway book doesn't tell me is how much of the different 300gr jacketed is under the cannelure and taking up space in the case. Did some searching on the cast boolits forum, and I wasn't able to find any more pertinent info-does not mean it isn't there, means I couldn't find it. Am currently at 18.2gr WW296 under a .431" 300gr plain base (no gascheck) in REM cases w/REM 2 1/2's that is running around 1100fps on my Chrony out of a 7.5" Super Redhawk. Was a decent Chrony day, sometimes the sukker gives me fits. Primers look decent, am ending up with some semi-flat ones. They are still running a little sooty, am probably going to work up a little, or might just run them as-is. TTC

October 26, 2008, 05:55 PM	#3
Ole 5 hole group Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2002 Location: Red River Valley of the North Posts: 203	thetoecutter - sorry for the hijack. I don't know how you're using the chronograph but I'll just add this info on chronographing revolver loads just in case you’re unaware of this niche. If you don't use a baffle between the barrel and the 1st skyscreen (locate the baffle half way between the barrel and 1st skyscreen), the shock wave will give you unreliable readings if your speeds are subsonic. I've heard of SD of 1K+ fps. If your speeds are just barely supersonic (1,129 fps at 70*F) your readings may become erratic as well. I'm not comfortable without a baffle until I reach speeds beyond 1600 fps. My baffle is a 2’X4’ piece of plywood with a 2” slot running from the top down 14” – works for me.

October 26, 2008, 09:08 PM	#4
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,310	I have a Laser Cast first edition manual that shows a load for their 300 gr bullet.Of course,it is not the same bullet,so this is just ballpark information. They show 20.0 gr with a loa of 1.610 and a WLP primer for 1333 out of a 9 1/2 Redhawk.They recommended to not reduce more than 3 %

October 28, 2008, 08:37 PM	#6
minnfinn Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Posts: 54	Thanks all you guys for the input. I've been looking at starting between 19.5-20.0 gr of H110 from comparing notes and reloading manuals of "like" bullets. Your input gives me more confidence that I'm in the right ballpark. It sound like 20 gr of H110 with a 300 gr WFNGC is a good place to start. Thanks much.

October 29, 2008, 12:37 AM	#7
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	Is H110 all you have to load with? I have data for IMR4227, H4227 and 2400. Personally, I like the 4227 series of powders better than H110. While not quite as much in velocity, the recoil is much more acceptable. I doubt if that dangerous animal is gonna notice 50fps less.

October 29, 2008, 05:24 PM	#8
minnfinn Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Posts: 54	Antipitas, What load range do you use for IMR4227 and H4227 for .44 mag with a bullet 300 gr WFNGC or LFNGC with which primer, etc.? Thanks

October 29, 2008, 06:50 PM	#9
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information. H4227 - 19.5gr over a CCI #350 (LPM) IMR4227 - 20gr (compressed) over a WLP OAL = 1.650 - 1.700 These loads were developed on my SBH w/7.5" barrel. My personal preference is the IMR load. Please note: If you are recoil sensitive, this might not be your cup-O-tea. As always, back off some and carefully work up to this load, watching for pressure signs.

October 31, 2008, 07:08 PM	#11
minnfinn Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Posts: 54	Got it. I've got one of the combination mentioned loaded and hope to get another once I get back from trying to shoot a bunch of ducks and geese (not with these) near Harvey ND over the long weekend. I'll get to the range sometime when I'm back before heading out West with the loads. Thanks again very much fellas. Minnfinn (John)